The week-long activities leading up to the celebration of the 60th edition of the National Youth day in Cameroon on February 11 were officially launched on Monday, February 2, 2026 in the town of Gari-Gombo in the Boumba-et-Ngoko Division (East Region).
The ceremony for the “Onzaine du Soixantenaire” (the 11-day countdown to the 60th anniversary) was presided over by the Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou.
The ceremony marked the start of a nationwide series of activities dedicated to Cameroonian youth.
Over the next ten days, a program featuring cultural animations, sports competitions, concerts, and civic initiatives is expected to hold with the aim of putting young people in the spotlight, leading up to the grand finale on February 11. This year’s 60th edition is themed: “Youth at the Heart of Great Expectations, for a United, Stable, and Prosperous Cameroon.”
Empowering the Next Generation
A key highlight of the event was the distribution of support packages by the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education. Beneficiaries of the 2026 Special Three-Year Youth Plan received professional installation kits, agricultural equipment and vocational tools.
These resources are part of a broader national strategy intended to boost the socio-economic integration among the youth, a priority championed by President Paul Biya.
Strategic and Symbolic Location
The choice of Gari-Gombo for this national launch highlights Cameroon’s regional diversity and underscores the strategic importance of rural youth in the nation-building process. The atmosphere in the East Region remains festive as the country prepares for a memorable and forward-looking anniversary celebration.
